Proper Dietary
69
Camp Meeting Diet
124. Nothing should be taken to camp meeting except the most
healthful articles, cooked in a simple manner, free from all spices and
grease.
I am convinced that none need to make themselves sick preparing
for camp meeting, if they observe the laws of health in their cooking. If
they make no cake or pies, but cook simple graham bread, and depend
on fruit, canned or dried, they need not get sick in preparing for the
meeting, and they need not be sick while at the meeting. None should
go through the entire meeting without some warm food. There are
always cookstoves upon the ground, where this may be obtained.
Brethren and sisters must not be sick upon the encampment. If
they clothe themselves properly in the chill of morning and night, and
are particular to vary their clothing according to the changing weather,
so as to preserve proper circulation, and strictly observe regularity in
sleeping and in eating of simple food, taking nothing between meals,
they need not be sick. They may be well during the meeting, their
minds may be clear, and able to appreciate the truth, and they may
return to their homes refreshed in body and spirit. Those who have
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been engaged in hard labor from day to day now cease their exercise;
therefore they should not eat their average amount of food. If they do,
their stomachs will be overtaxed.
We wish to have the brain power especially vigorous at these meet-
ings, and in the most healthy condition to hear the truth, appreciate it,
and retain it, that all may practice it after their return from the meeting.
If the stomach is burdened with too much food, even of a simple char-
acter, the brain force is called to the aid of the digestive organs. There
is a benumbed sensation upon the brain. It is almost impossible to keep
the eyes open. The very truths which should be heard, understood, and
practiced, are entirely lost through indisposition, or because the brain
is almost paralyzed in consequence of the amount of food eaten.
I would advise all to take something warm into the stomach, every
morning at least. You can do this without much labor. You can make
graham gruel. If the graham flour is too coarse, sift it, and while the
gruel is hot, add milk. This will make a most palatable and healthful
dish for the campground. And if your bread is dry, crumb it into the
gruel, and it will be enjoyed. I do not approve of eating much cold